Four weeks’ work cost cancer victim his life

An asbestos cancer victim received substantial compensation days before his death from the pottery firm he was employed by for only four weeks.

David Key, 57, from Stoke, sadly died on June 17, 2012 after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs, in March 2010.

The dad of two, including a son of 16, was still working as a delivery driver when he received the devastating news.

There is no known cure for mesothelioma, which is caused by exposure to asbestos.

He instructed Thompsons Solicitors for advice and to pursue a claim for compensation

Following his diagnosis he instructed Thompsons Solicitors for advice and to pursue a claim for compensation.

Investigations by Thompsons revealed he was exposed to asbestos during a four-week contract to demolish a kiln at Beswick Pottery in 1986.

He was hired by the figurine pottery in Longton to knock down a kiln which was lined with asbestos. He was not provided with adequate protection from the dust nor warned about the dangers asbestos could pose to his health.

Settled the claim out of court for substantial damages

Thompsons was successful in settling the claim out of court for substantial damages.

Before his death Mr Key said: “It is difficult to comprehend that just a few weeks work for Beswick Pottery all those years ago has resulted in me developing mesothelioma.

“I decided to contact Thompsons as my family are still young. My son who lives with us is still at school. My daughter is just beginning her working life. I wanted to make sure that by claiming compensation I could provide for my children and my wife in the future.”

Joanne Keen from Thompsons Solicitors added: “Mr Key only worked at the pottery for four weeks but this was enough to have a devastating impact on his health. By acting quickly to get specialist legal advice he at least had the peace of mind knowing that his loved ones would be financially secure.”

Asbestos disease diagnosis? Talk to us for advice and support on how to secure compensation.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we can support you with advice on how to make a claim.

The process will be explained in plain English and with no obligation – our priority is to provide you with the best, expert advice on whether you have a valid case for compensation, and to signpost you to further sources of support.

There are strict time limits applied to making a claim – usually three years from the date of diagnosis. It doesn’t matter if the exposure to asbestos took place – as it often does – decades ago, the three year time limit applies to the date of knowledge of diagnosis or date of death.